Footwear with gun holster

ABSTRACT

A footwear for carrying a firearm includes an upper and a holster. The upper defines a cavity adapted to receive a foot. The holster is integrally formed with the upper. The holster is adapted to receive the firearm. The holster has a configuration specific to stabilizing the firearm within the holster and to the upper.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a gun holster and more particularly to a footwear with a gun holster integrally formed therewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is commonly known, a holster is typically employed to carry and conceal a firearm on a person. Particularly, holsters are generally employed for persons serving in the military, law enforcement, other security type professions, and persons with a permit to conceal and carry firearms, for example. For such persons, it may be desired for the firearm to be concealed, easily accessed, comfortable, and sufficiently secured to the person, while minimally compromising or interfering with work or daily activities. As a result, it is convenient to carry the firearm on or near a leg, an ankle, or a foot of the person in order to conceal the firearm by an article of clothing such as a pant leg or a uniform, for example.

There exist holsters for carrying the firearm on or near the leg, the ankle, and the foot that are separate or detachable from the leg or footwear. For example, some of the known holsters wrap around or couple to an exterior of the ankle or the footwear of the person. These types of holsters typically couple to the ankle or the footwear of the person by a hook, a strap, a clip, a hook-and-loop attachment, a shoelace, or similar coupling devices. However, due to the detachability, these holsters are typically uncomfortable, inconvenient and not securely fastened to the person, thus creating an unsafe environment for both the person carrying the firearm and those person surrounding the person carrying the firearm. Additionally, opportunities exist for the holster to be forgotten or misplaced because of the detachability and unsecure fastening. Furthermore, because these holsters are typically fastened to an exterior of the footwear or the leg, the firearm may protrude undesirably outwardly effecting a noticeable protuberance in the pant leg or the footwear. As a result of the protuberance, total concealment of the firearm is compromised.

It is also known to either freely position the firearm within the footwear between the leg and the interior of the footwear or by other straps, pieces of materials, or fasteners. These designs and methods of positioning the firearm within the footwear are unsafe because the firearm undesireably moves within the footwear due to the minimal securement thereof and lack of the holster conforming to a contour of the firearm. Additionally, minimal space often exists between the leg and the interior of the footwear. Therefore, a placement of the firearm within the footwear likely causes discomfort and burdens efficient access to the firearm.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a holster integral with a footwear that allows a wearer of the footwear to comfortably securely and safely conceal carry and easily access a firearm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance and attuned with the present invention, a holster integral with a footwear that allows a wearer of the footwear to comfortably, securely, and safely conceal carry and easily access a firearm has surprisingly been discovered.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a footwear for carrying a firearm includes an upper and a holster. The upper defines a cavity adapted to receive a foot. The holster is integrally formed with the upper. The holster is adapted to receive the firearm. The holster has a configuration specific to stabilizing the firearm within the holster and to the upper.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a footwear assembly includes an upper defining a cavity adapted to receive a foot. A holster is integrally formed with the upper. The holster has an internal layer and an external layer defining an opening. A firearm is received in the opening. The holster expands bi-directionally from the upper to receive the firearm and stabilize the firearm therein.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing a footwear for carrying a firearm comprises the steps of forming a holster integrating portion in an upper of the footwear. Another step includes positioning a holster within the holster integrating portion. The holster has an internal layer and an external layer defining an opening configured to receive the firearm. The method further includes the step of integrally forming the holster with the upper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as other objects and advantages of the invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention when considered in the light of the accompanying drawing which:

FIG. 1 is a right side perspective view of a footwear according to an embodiment of the instant disclosure, wherein a firearm is positioned within a holster of the footwear;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the footwear of FIG. 1, wherein the firearm is positioned within the holster of the footwear;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary top perspective view of the footwear of FIG. 1, wherein the firearm is positioned within the holster of the footwear;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the footwear of FIG. 1 without the firearm positioned in the holster;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged fragmentary right side perspective view of the holster of the footwear of FIG. 1, taken from an exterior of the footwear;

FIG. 5B is an enlarged fragmentary left side perspective view of the holster of the footwear of FIG. 1, taken from an interior of the footwear;

FIG. 5C is a fragmentary right side perspective view of the footwear of FIG. 1 without the holster to illustrate a holster integrating portion of the footwear;

FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of a footwear according to another embodiment of the instant disclosure, wherein a firearm is positioned within a holster of the footwear;

FIG. 7 is a right side perspective view of a footwear according to another embodiment of the instant disclosure, wherein a firearm is positioned within a holster of the footwear adjacent a top of the footwear;

FIG. 8 is a right side perspective view of a footwear according to another embodiment of the instant disclosure, wherein a firearm is positioned within a holster of the footwear intermediate a top of the footwear and a bottom of the footwear;

FIG. 9 is a right side perspective view of a footwear according to yet another embodiment of the instant disclosure, wherein a firearm is positioned within a holster of the footwear; and

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the footwear of FIG. 9 without the firearm positioned within the holster.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The terms “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “inner,” “outer,” “external,” “internal,” “left,” “right,” and similar terms are used for clarity only in reference to a position of a footwear as typically worn by a wearer of the footwear.

FIGS. 1-5C illustrate a footwear 10 for carrying and concealing a firearm 12 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The footwear 10 illustrated is a footwear configured for a left foot of a right-handed user of the firearm 12. However, it is understood the footwear 10 can be a footwear configured for a right foot of a left-handed user of the firearm 12. The features of the footwear configured for the right foot are similar to and are substantially mirror images of the features of the footwear 10 shown and described with reference to FIGS. 1-5C.

The footwear 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5C is configured as a utility boot or a work boot. The utility boot represents utility boots commonly employed by enforcement officials or employed for outdoor recreation or work, construction, or other types of activities where the foot or ankle of the user is exposed to prolonged wear, injury, or unsafe environmental conditions. However, the footwear 10 can be configured as other types of footwear. For example, the footwear 10 can be configured as a tactical boot 110 (as shown in FIG. 6), an engineer or motorcycle boot 210 (as shown in FIG. 7-8), or a cowboy boot 310 (as shown in FIGS. 9-10). It is understood the footwear 10 can be configured as other types of footwear without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the footwear 10 can be an athletic shoe, a high top shoe, a knee high or thigh-high boot, a shoe with or without raised heels, or any other type of footwear as desired configured to carry and conceal the firearm 12. The footwear 10 can also include features commonly employed with footwear such as shoelaces, buckles, rivets, snaps, straps, eyelets, a tongue, decorative indicia or other elements and features commonly used to design and manufacture various types of footwear.

The footwear 10 includes an upper 14 defining a cavity adapted to receive a foot of a wearer. The upper 14 extends between a bottom 16 and a top 18 of the footwear 10, a front 20 and a rear 22 of the footwear 10, and an inner side 24 and an outer side 26 of the footwear 10. The inner side 24 corresponds to the inner side or medial side of the left foot of the wearer and the outer side 26 corresponds to the outer side or lateral side of the left foot of the wearer. In the footwear configured for the right foot, the inner side 24 and the outer side 26 would be opposite that of the footwear 10 shown in the illustrated embodiments. The upper 14 further includes an internal surface 30 and an external surface 32. The upper 14 may comprise one or more distinct regions intermediate the front 20 and the rear 22 and/or one or a combination of different materials intermediate the internal surface 30 and the external surface 32. For example, the upper 14 can include regions commonly included with footwear such as toe cap, vamp, and quarter commonly formed at a front portion, intermediate portion, and rear portion thereof, respectively. The materials can include leather, waterproof leather, synthetic, non-porous fabric or other known materials adapted for footwear uppers, such as suede or canvas, for example.

The upper 14 terminates at a collar 28 formed at the top 18 of the footwear 10 and defines an opening to the cavity for the right foot of the wearer. In certain embodiments, the upper 14 includes a shaft 34 and a sole 36. The shaft 34 is adapted to receive and corresponds to an ankle of the wearer. The sole 36 is disposed at the bottom 16 of the footwear 10. However, the footwear 10 can be shaftless or soleless, if desired.

The upper 14 defines a holster integrating portion 38. The holster integrating portion 38 includes a window or opening formed in the inner side 24 of the footwear 10 adjacent the top 18 of the footwear 10. In the embodiment illustrated, the holster integrating portion 38 is formed on the inner side 24 of the footwear 10 and extends from the collar 28 and into and minimally beyond the shaft 34. However, it is understood the holster integrating portion 38 can be formed in any part of the upper 14 as desired depending on a type and size of the firearm and a convenience of access to the firearm by wearer.

The footwear 10 further includes a holster 40 integrally formed with the upper 14. As used herein with reference to the holster 40, the term integrally or integral is defined as bound or affixed to, connected together so as to make up a single complete piece or unit, or so as to work together as a single complete piece or unit, and so as to be incapable of being easily dismantled without destroying the integrity of the piece or the unit. As illustrated, the holster 40 is formed adjacent the top 18 of the footwear 10 on the inner side 24 of the footwear 10 to correspond to the holster integrating portion 38. However, the holster 40 can be formed at any portion of the upper 14 depending on the position of the holster integrating portion 38.

The holster 40 has a configuration specific to stabilizing the firearm 12 within the holster 40 and to the footwear 10. Such a configuration is described in further detail hereinbelow and is generally defined as effecting minimal movement of the firearm 12 within the holster 40 and with respect to the footwear 10 and the wearer of the footwear 10. For example, movement of the firearm 12 in a direction from the front 20 of the footwear 10 to the rear 22 of the footwear 10, from the top 18 of the footwear 10 to the bottom 16 of the footwear 10, and from the inner side 24 of the footwear 10 to the outer side 26 of the footwear 10 is minimized.

The holster 40 is received in the holster integrating portion 38 to be integrally formed with the upper 14. The holster 40 is integrally formed with the upper 14 by a seam 41 circumscribing and corresponding in shape to the holster 40 and/or the holster integrating portion 38. The seam 41 is defined by stitching. Although, other seaming means commonly employed with footwear and/or fashionwear to integrally join materials can be contemplated. For example, seaming means can be riveting, stapling, adhering with material grade adhesive, or other commonly employed seaming means. It should be understood that the holster 40 can be seamless, wherein the upper 14 does not include the holster integrating portion 38 and the holster 40 is formed from at least some of the same material as the upper 14, if desired.

The holster 40 is a flexible, elastic receptacle formed by an internal layer 42 and an external layer 44. The internal layer 42 defines a portion of the internal surface 30 of the upper 14 and the external layer 44 defines a portion of the external surface 32 of the upper 14. The layers 42, 44 cooperate with each other to define an opening 46 configured to receive the firearm 12. The internal layer 42 is integrally joined with the external layer 44 by a stitching or seaming means, for example. Although, the other integrally joining methods can be contemplated, if desired.

The internal layer 42 defines an edge 43 configured to engage the internal surface 30 of the footwear 10 for forming the seam 41. The seam 41 is formed along the edge 43 of the internal layer 42. A periphery 45 of the opening 46, defined by the seam joining the internal layer 42 to the external layer 44, has a shape corresponding to a shape of the outer contour of at least a portion of the firearm 12 to tightly secure the firearm 12 within the holster 40. However, in other embodiments, the seam 41 can essentially define the periphery 45 or be spaced from the periphery 45. The relationship and cooperation of the seam 41 with the periphery 45 depends upon the size and shape of the firearm and footwear 10 and stability of the firearm when being carried in the footwear 10.

In the embodiment illustrated, the holster 40 includes a detachable strap 48 extending from the internal layer 42 to the external layer 44. The strap 48 is adjustable and includes a fastener 50 to attach the strap 48 and secure the firearm 12 within the holster 40. The fastener 50 is a snap. However, the fastener 50 can be any fastener 50 as desired such as a buckle, clasp, hook-and-loop attachment, for example.

The internal layer 42 and the external layer 44 are formed from a flexible elastic material configured to easily expand to receive the firearm 12 yet adapt to the contour of the firearm 12 to comfortably grip and secure the firearm 12 within the holster 40. For example, the internal layer 42 and the external layer 44 can be formed from nylon, cotton, spandex, polyester, or combination thereof, for example. Although, the layers 42, 44 can be formed from other elastic materials or combinations thereof for example. In certain embodiments, the external layer 44 includes an inner lining 52 integrally formed therewith and cushioning the internal surface 30 of the footwear 10. The inner lining 52 provides support and comfort to the wearer of the footwear 10 when the firearm 12 is received in the holster 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner lining 52 is formed from a soft and/or elastic material that is durable for extending wear and or being exposed to harsh environments such as sheepskin, for example. However, the inner lining 52 can be formed from other materials such as memory foam, sorbothane, cotton, any other similar type materials, or any combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 4, the holster 40 expands bi-directionally with respect to the upper 14, as illustrated by the dotted line aligning with the upper 14 and the arrows. The internal layer 42 and the external layer 44 cooperate with each other and the upper 14 to advantageously permit the holster 40 to expand both partially outwardly from the upper 14 and partially inwardly from the upper 14 when receiving the firearm 12. As a result, the firearm 12 does not cause the upper 14 to protrude entirely outwardly, which is undersireable and more difficult to conceal, or entirely inwardly, which is undesireable, uncomfortable, and difficult to retrieve the firearm 12.

FIG. 6 illustrates the footwear 110 according to another embodiment of the instant disclosure. Features similar to the features of the footwear 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5C are denoted with similar reference numerals and a preceding “1” for clarity. The footwear 110 of FIG. 6 is similar to the footwear 10 of FIGS. 1-5C except the footwear 110 is configured as a tactical boot commonly employed by police officers, EMS specialists, firefighters, and tactical operators for example. Although, the footwear 110 is can also be employed for recreational activities such as hiking, hunting, and camping, for example.

FIGS. 7-8 illustrate the footwear 210 according to another embodiment of the instant disclosure. Features similar to the features of the footwear 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5C are denoted with similar reference numerals and a preceding “2” for clarity. The footwear 210 of FIGS. 7-8 are similar to the footwear 10 of FIGS. 1-5C except the footwear 210 is configured as an engineer or a motorcycle boot commonly employed by those working in the welding, utilities, and oil field trades as well as motorcycle enthusiasts. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the holster 240 is formed adjacent the top 218 of the footwear 210. However, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the holster 240 is formed intermediate the top 218 of the footwear 210 and the bottom 216 of the footwear 210. The holster integrating portion 238 and the holster 240 cooperate to form a cutout 254 to receive a handle end of the firearm 12. The cutout 254 has a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the grip end of the firearm 12.

FIGS. 9-10 illustrates the footwear 310 according to another embodiment of the instant disclosure. Features similar to the features of the footwear 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5C are denoted with similar reference numerals and a preceding “3” for clarity. The footwear 310 of FIGS. 8-9 is similar to the footwear 10 of FIGS. 1-5C except the footwear 310 is configured as a cowboy boot and the positioning of the holster 340 is different.

In the embodiment illustrated, the holster 340 is spaced at a distance from the collar 28 and is integrally formed with the footwear 310 at a generally intermediate portion of the upper 314 intermediate the top 18 of the footwear 310 and the bottom 16 of the footwear 10. The holster integrating portion 338 is configured to receive the holster 340. The holster integrating portion 338 has a shape corresponding to a shape of the holster 340 and a portion of the firearm 12. For example, a first portion of the holster integrating portion 338 corresponds in shape to the holster 340 and a second portion of the holster integrating portion 338 substantially corresponds in shape to a portion of the firearm 12 extending outwardly from the holster 340 such as a grip end and a barrel end of the firearm 12, for example.

A cutout 354 is formed by the holster integrating portion 338 and the holster 340 to accommodate the grip end of the firearm 12. The cutout 354 has a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the grip end of the firearm 12. The cutout 354 permits enhanced alignment of the firearm 12 with the upper 314 to facilitate the bi-directional extension of the holster 340 with respect to the upper 314. The seam 341 circumscribes the holster integrating portion 338 to both integrally join the holster 340 to the upper 314 and reinforce the edges of the upper 314 defining the holster integrating portion 338. Advantageously, the positioning of the holster 340 on the footwear 310 militates against interference with ornamental features often positioned adjacent or proximate to the collar 328. The positioning also further reinforces and supports a weight of the firearm 12. However, it is understood the holster 340 can be positioned in other portions of the upper 314 as desired. The positioning of the holster 340 may also depend on the structural integrity of the upper 314.

The footwear 10, 110, 210, 310 described herein are exemplary embodiments meant to illustrate varying styles of footwear commonly known or employed. Other styles of footwear can be contemplated without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, footwear having varying shapes, materials, proportions, soles, and/or ornamental features can include the holster 40, 140, 240, 340 as shown and described herein.

A method of manufacturing the footwear 10, 110, 210, 310 includes the steps of choosing a style of the footwear 10, 110, 210, 310. In one exemplary embodiment, the holster integrating portion 38, 138, 238, 338 is then formed in the upper 14, 114, 214, 314 by a cutting, stamping, and/or lasering device after the upper 14, 114, 214, 314 is formed. In another exemplary embodiment, the holster integrating portion 38, 138, 238, 338 can also be formed prior to forming the upper 14, 114, 214, 314 by incorporating corresponding portions in a stencil or pattern used to cut the material to form the upper 14, 114, 214, 314. The internal layer 42 of the holster 40 is integrally formed with the external layer 44 of the holster 40. The holster 40, 140, 240, 340 is then received in the holster integrating portion 38, 138, 238, 338 and joined with the upper 14, 114, 214, 314 by the seam 41, 141, 241, 341 to integrally form the holster 40, 140, 240, 340 with the upper 14, 114, 214, 314 into one congruent unit. Although, as mentioned in the disclosure hereinabove, the holster 40, 140, 240, 340 can be formed from the same material with same stencil or pattern as the upper 14, 114, 214, 314. The external layer 44, 144, 244, 344 can either be joined to the internal layer 42, 142, 242, 342 and/or the upper 14, 114, 214, 314 prior to or after integrally forming the holster 40, 140, 240, 340 with the upper 14, 114, 214, 314.

To use, the foot of the wear is inserted into the footwear 10, 110, 210, 310. The firearm 12 is positioned in the holster 40, 140, 240, 340, wherein the holster 40, 140, 240, 340 conforms to and secures the barrel end of the firearm 12 therein and the grip end of the firearm 12 extends outwardly from the holster 40, 140, 240, 340 for easy access to the firearm 12. The strap 48, 148, 248, 348 is then placed about the grip end of the firearm 12 to further secure the firearm 12 to the holster 40, 140, 240, 340 and the footwear 10, 110, 210, 310.

Advantageously, the footwear 10, 110, 210, 310 according to the present disclosure maximizes comfort, concealment, and security of the firearm 12 to the wearer. Additionally, the footwear 10, 110, 210, 310 minimizes effort and accessories required to carry and easily retrieve the firearm 12, 112, 212, 312. Furthermore, the configuration of the footwear 10, 110, 210, 310 maintains an aseptically pleasing overall appearance and quality of the footwear 10, 110, 210, 310.

From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A footwear for carrying a firearm comprising: an upper defining a cavity adapted to receive a foot; and a holster integrally formed with the upper, the holster configured to receive the firearm and to stabilize the firearm within the holster and to the upper.
 2. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the footwear is one of a utility boot, a tactical boot, an engineer boot, a motorcycle boot, and a cowboy boot.
 3. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the holster is formed adjacent a top of the upper on an inner side of the footwear.
 4. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the holster is spaced from a top of the upper on an inner side of the footwear.
 5. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper defines a holster integrating portion formed adjacent a top of the upper, the holster integrating portion receiving the holster.
 6. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper defines a holster integrating portion formed at a distance from a top of the upper, the holster integrating portion receiving the holster.
 7. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the holster is a flexible receptacle formed by an internal layer and an external layer defining an opening configured to receive the firearm, the opening having a periphery having a shape corresponding to a shape of an outer contour of at least a portion of the firearm.
 8. The footwear of claim 7, wherein the internal layer includes an inner lining integrally formed therewith.
 9. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the holster expands bi-directionally from the upper to receive the firearm.
 10. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the holster is integrally formed with the upper by a seam.
 11. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the holster includes an adjustable detachable strap extending from the internal layer to the external layer.
 12. A footwear assembly comprising: an upper defining a cavity configured to receive a foot; a holster integrally formed with the upper, the holster having an internal layer and an external layer defining an opening; and a firearm received in the opening, the holster expanding bi-directionally from the upper to receive the firearm and stabilize the firearm therein.
 13. The footwear assembly of claim 12, wherein the footwear is one of a utility boot, a tactical boot, an engineer boot, and a motorcycle boot and the holster is disposed adjacent a top of the upper.
 14. The footwear assembly of claim 12 wherein the footwear is a cowboy boot and the holster is spaced from a top of the upper.
 15. The footwear assembly of claim 12, wherein the holster is integrally formed with the upper by a seam.
 16. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the holster includes an adjustable detachable strap extending from the internal layer to the external layer, the detachable strap extending over a portion of the firearm to facilitate stabilization of the firearm within the holster and to the upper.
 17. A method of manufacturing a footwear for carrying a firearm comprising the steps of: forming a holster integrating portion in an upper of the footwear; positioning a holster within the holster integrating portion, the holster having an internal layer and an external layer defining an opening configured to receive the firearm; and integrally forming the holster with the upper.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of integrally forming the holster with the upper includes integrally forming the holster with the upper by a seam.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of forming the holster integrating portion includes the step of forming the holster adjacent a top of the upper or spaced from the top of the upper.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of stabilizing the firearm within the holster. 